There’s nothing like summer in Central Florida, but the season can certainly take a toll on your home’s HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. We’ve put together a few tips for preparing your home for summer and keeping your air conditioning bill in check. From inspecting your AC unit to tweaking your water heater settings, this is your guide to a stress-free summer.
How to Prepare Your Home for Summer
Get your home ready for the summer heat with this easy guide. While your AC unit does most of the work, seasonal changes also affect your plumbing and electrical systems!
Key Summer HVAC Maintenance Tasks
Before the heat is on, be sure to:
- Complete a visual inspection of the unit. Check the outdoor unit for signs of damage, debris buildup, and obstructions near the evaporator and condenser coils. Inside, check the condenser drain for blockages or mold growth; you can flush the drain line with a mixture of water and vinegar.
- Schedule a tune-up. A professional AC tune-up is critical to ensuring your unit can keep up with rising temperatures. Pre-summer HVAC maintenance focuses on providing a seamless transition from the heating to the cooling season. Our Dial Duron Service Co. team will perform routine maintenance, identify areas of concern, and assist you in planning for future system needs. Ideally, this should be completed before you turn on your air conditioning system.
- Switch the thermostat. After switching from heat to cool settings, monitor your thermostat to see if it maintains the correct temperature.
Summer Plumbing Checklist
Cold snaps and even a rare freeze-thaw cycle can severely impact your home’s plumbing system. As you transition into warmer days, take proactive steps to avoid summer plumbing issues by thoroughly inspecting your pipes, lines, and fixtures. Be sure to:
- Check your lines. Visually inspect faucets, fixtures, and easily accessible pipes for leaks, drips, or signs of damage. Don’t forget about outdoor faucets and underground sprinkler systems.
- Check your water heater. To save money, lower the temperature by a few degrees; a setting of 120°F is recommended. Additionally, inspect the heater for any signs of wear and tear. Spring or early summer is an ideal time to drain the tank to remove sediment buildup.
- Check your sump pump. Look for debris, listen for proper activation, and use the test function (if available) to verify it’s working.
What Uses the Most Electricity in a Home During Summer?
Air conditioning systems are typically the most significant draw on a home’s electrical system. The precise energy expenditure varies based on the size of the house, the efficiency of the system, and the differences in indoor and outdoor temperatures. On average, cooling accounts for nearly half of a home’s summer electricity consumption.
Read more: Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
How to Save Money on Your Summer Electric Bill
Most air conditioning systems use electricity; an exceptionally long or hot summer can increase your bills. To reduce your energy consumption, focus on weatherproofing and insulation. Sealing leaks and adding insulation can save you up to 15% on your heating and cooling costs, especially during extreme temperatures. Summer is also a great time to purchase a smart thermostat to help lower your energy bills.
Get Your Home Ready for Summer with Dial Duron Service Co.
Summer in Central Florida can be wonderful, as long as your home is prepared for the heat! Our friendly and experienced technicians are available to assist you with both preventative and emergency services. We strive to deliver dependable, affordable home services exactly when you need them.
Need help prepping your home for summer? Contact us online or call 321-341-3625 to schedule an appointment today.